The Lumineers’ Neyla Pekarek exits band for solo career

The Lumineers announced via Instagram Thursday morning that part of their trio is leaving the band.

Neyla Pekarek, vocalist, cellist, and pianist, will pursue a solo career and has already completed a concept album to be released in 2019, according to Variety. Pekarek said in a statement:

“They say when a snake sheds its skin, it is a sign of rebirth, transformation, and new beginnings. Eight years ago, I answered a Craigslist ad to be in a band. In those eight years, we were nominated for two Grammys, we met President Obama, and we saw just about every dark, dingy green room this big, beautiful planet has to offer. I am incredibly grateful for these experiences and opportunities, but it is time to shed my skin; it is time for a new adventure.”

The concept album was inspired by her home state Colorado’s legend Katherine McHale, also known as Rattlesnake Kate, who killed 140 rattlesnakes while defending her infant son. Pekarek says McHale is a feminist icon and has hopes to turn her story into a musical.

On Pekarek’s exit, The Lumineers said:

“Every band is like an organism – it continually grows, changes & evolves,” added the Lumineers. “These changes aren’t always easy but are an unavoidable part of life. After writing, recording and touring the world together for the past eight years, Neyla has made the decision to leave the Lumineers in order to pursue her solo career. We wish her nothing but the best going forward.”